STMicroelectronics' L99DZ80 car door controller IC is a multi-functional door-zone driver with an integrated electric-window control, the market's first, according to the company. The chip reduces bill-of-material costs and offers new levels of passenger comfort, and has already been selected for broad adoption at a leading German car manufacturer.

Equipment manufacturers currently use relays to drive electric-window motors. ST’s newest door actuator driver eliminates the need for mechanical relays in car-window control, slashes component costs, and eliminates expensive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) countermeasures associated with the existing solutions, while enabling users to enjoy a smoother and quieter car-window operation. ST’s new door-zone driver supports adjustable window speeds related to the position of the window - soft start and shutdown - and reduces noise levels with the removal of the relay as well.

The L99DZ80 embeds an SPI-programmable slew-rate control IP that can drive four external MOSFETs in a half-bridge configuration dedicated to PWM (Pulse Width Mode)-driven electric-window applications. Other features include six bridges for double door-lock control, mirror fold, and mirror-axis control, together with a high-side driver for mirror defroster, bulbs and LEDs. The device also integrates a control block with an external MOS transistor for charging and discharging of electrochromic (dimmable) mirror glasses.

The L99DZ80 is available in volumes. For pricing options, please contact your ST sales office.